Baby Steps

“James, do you want to go to a meeting tonight?” I wanted to attend and Sandi agreed that it would be good for him. Although he’s comfortable with his social circle of family, church, and horseback riding, we stretch his boundaries whenever we can. “It’s about Tolkien.”

He raised his eyes from his tablet.

            “We’ll have pizza.”

            “Oh… Well… Yes, of course.”

            A few hours later, we parked near the restaurant while I gave him the usual autism spectrum admonitions: don’t interrupt, don’t ask other people about their religion, and don’t touch anyone.

            I took a deep breath before we entered. James doesn’t like noisy situations and this popular restaurant on a Friday night would be anything but sedate. I opened the door, and the clamor hit us like a wall, but he stayed calm and followed me to the greeter.

            “We’re here for the meeting.”

            She gave us a friendly smile. “Follow me.”

            The president saw us first. “Hi, James, Bill. Find a table and order something. We’ll start in a few minutes.”

            He relaxed beside me while I stayed on guard for his protection and others.

            I needn’t have.

            James transformed from the quiet, young man I knew, becoming bright and cheerful. He interacted with the other members, listened intently to the speakers, and asked insightful questions.

            He wasn’t perfect, but, then, none of us are.

            I enjoyed the meeting far more than I thought I would. Gone was my willful child, petulant and demanding, replaced with a young man, his face animated as he interacted appropriately (for the most part) with other adults who shared his interest in the magical realm of this author.

            I often worry about James and his future. But, I’m gaining confidence as I watch him progress. One small step at a time.

William R. Bartlett lives in Belton with his family.